Fundamentals
Many students start their law school career thinking they understand what law school is all about only to find out what they expected is not what is expected of them. It often takes students months of effort before they learn how to get the most from their studying. At Concord, new students complete an Orientation to Concord’s online learning platform and are then enrolled in the Fundamentals program.
Fundamentals is a unique program designed by the Concord faculty. Its goal is to acquaint in-coming students with the functionality and time management required to attend law school online and to begin the development of the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in law. The program consists of four courses which are completed simultaneously over a four to six week period:
Learning How To Learn provides insight into the expectations of law school professors and the community of scholars the student is joining. The online law course engages students in critical reading assignments and promotes the concept of active learning through entry-level analysis and issue-spotting.
My First Year provides an overview of four classic topics that are the foundation to the study of law. Students also get a first look at the four subjects that make up their first year courses and experience a practice quiz and writing assignment.
Strategies for Success provides an introduction to the law profession and its ethical underpinnings. Prospective Juris Doctor students are also offered a further look at the Concord degree programs and related career opportunities.
The American Legal System provides the historical background of the US legal system and the origins of American law. Students will begin to build the key terms and definitions required for first year law studies.
Fundamentals serves as a gateway to a successful start in law school. In addition to the coursework, the program gives students the chance to meet 1L colleagues and engage with Concord professors in live classroom sessions. Through their Fundamentals participation, students discover the vibrant and supportive community at the law school— professors, Law Advisors, and fellow students - that will be with them throughout their law school career.
Start of 1L Courses
At the start of their first year term, students receive access to their 1L law courses —Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, and Legal Writing and Test-Taking —and are welcomed by their professor and Law Advisor.
As often as not, entering students have already joined a student group set up for their section by upper-class student mentors. The student community is generous with their advice and committed to the success of their fellow students.